FAAB & Waiver Wire Report (Week 19)
Erik Williams-Imagn Images
In the article, I cover the players using CBS’s (about 40% or less initial roster rate) and Yahoo’s ADD/DROP rates. Both hosting sites have the option for daily and weekly waiver wire adds. CBS uses a weekly change while Yahoo looks at the last 24 hours. Yahoo is a great snapshot of right now, while CBS ensures hot targets from early in the week aren’t missed. The players are ordered for redraft leagues by my rest-of-season preference, grouped by starters, relievers, and hitters.
Batters
Isaac Collins: Best available all-around contributor (8 HR, 13 SB, .288 AVG).
Jakob Marsee: In 56 PA, he has 3 HR and 6 SB with a .353 AVG. Ride the hot hand.
Dylan Beavers: Went one for five with two strikeouts in his MLB debut. He should hit (18 HR, 23 SB, .304 AVG in AAA) and play with most of Baltimore’s outfield banged up.
Miguel Andujar: Somehow fell into a role as the full-time cleanup batter for the Reds. He’s thrived in the role, batting .387/.472/.742 with 3 HR.
Lenyn Sosa: Solid power (15 HR) and batting average (.273 AVG) but qualified at three positions (1B, 2B, 3B).
Ryan Mountcastle: Batting .280/.321/.560 with 2 HR in 28 PA since coming off the IL.
Blake Perkins: Decent (.264 AVG, 3 HR, 5 SB) in 80 PA. Monitor his playing time when Jackson Chourio returns from the IL.
Daulton Varsho: Strong-side platoon bat who only provides power (13 HR in 144 PA).
Kyle Manzardo: Power (21 HR) platoon bat.
Heriberto Hernández: Doesn’t play enough to be a difference maker (70% Start%), but provides some power (7 HR in 156 PA). I don’t see his .370 BABIP continuing, so his .287 AVG could tank.
Victor Robles: Should be coming off a rehab assignment soon. Provided steals and average before the IL. Playing time could be an issue.
Casey Schmitt: Starting while providing some power (7 HR in 217 PA).
Joey Ortiz: Playing, but doesn’t move the dial in any one category. Nothing more than a bench or waiver wire injury replacement.
Kyle Karros: He only provides batting average (.321 AVG, 16% K%) with no power (.107 ISO, 57% GB%).
Owen Caissie: While Caissie should hit for power, he might not play much with the Cubs’ loaded outfield. If he’s only playing half the time, he’s fantasy irrelevant.
Jordan Walker: Dropped his strikeout rate in the second half (33% to 26%). He is not hitting for power this season (.092 ISO, 4 HR) but is stealing bases (7 SB).
Blaze Alexander: He is in a seven-game week with four games in Colorado, but not doing much to help fantasy teams, even with a 124 wRC+.
Luis Rengifo: Started in seven of the last eight games while not providing much help anywhere (7 HR, 4 SB, .249 AVG in 425 PA).
C.J. Kayfus: Struggling with strikeouts (33% K%, .216 AVG) and not getting to any power. At least he started in eight of the last 10 games.
Kody Clemens: Started against three of the last four lefties, so the platoon might be disappearing. He’s only providing power (13 HR, 1 SB) while being a batting average drain (.220 AVG).
Paul DeJong: Started in eight of the last 10 games. Somehow, he has 4 SB this year. And a .254 AVG. I’m pretty sure the 31-year-old doesn’t have any tricks up his sleeve to make a difference.
Brandon Marsh: Strong-side platoon bat who is on pace to be a disappointment. Maybe he’ll reach double-digit home runs.
Bob Seymour: Struggling with 4 K in 7 PA. He hit 30 HR in AAA, but so far, MLB pitchers have found a weakness.
Catchers
Francisco Alvarez: Fine for a catcher (7 HR, .254 AVG).
Ryan Jeffers: Has 14 starts in the last 15 games with 8 HR and a .262 AVG.
Hitting Prospects
Samuel Basallo: In AAA, the 21-year-old catcher hit .270/.377/.589 with 23 HR and 0 SB in 321 PA.
JJ Wetherholt: Across two minor league levels (AA and AAA), the 22-year-old shortstop hit .299/.417.519 with 15 HR and 17 SB in 384 PA.
Sal Stewart: Across two minor league levels (AA and AAA), the 21-year-old third baseman hit .311/.381/.514 with 16 HR and 16 SB in 436 PA.
Travis Bazzana: Across two minor league levels (AA and AAA) the 22-year-old second baseman hit .248/.379/.405 with 5 HR and 10 SB in 269 PA.
Max Clark: Across two minor league levels (A+ and AA), the 20-year-old outfielder hit .283/.416/.438 with 10 HR and 18 SB in 449 PA.
Kevin McGonigle: Across three minor league levels (A, A+, AA), the 20-year-old shortstop hit .336/.430/.605 with 12 HR and 7 SB in 300 PA.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Manzardo DH CLE | 39% | 46% | 7% |
| Ryan Jeffers C MIN | 39% | 43% | 4% |
| Lenyn Sosa 2B CHW | 35% | 43% | 8% |
| Daulton Varsho CF TOR | 35% | 39% | 4% |
| Samuel Basallo C BAL | 33% | 36% | 3% |
| Francisco Alvarez C NYM | 31% | 33% | 2% |
| Jakob Marsee CF MIA | 29% | 65% | 36% |
| Victor Robles RF SEA | 28% | 29% | 1% |
| Isaac Collins LF MIL | 27% | 51% | 24% |
| Travis Bazzana 2B CLE | 25% | 27% | 2% |
| JJ Wetherholt 2B STL | 24% | 26% | 2% |
| Max Clark CF DET | 20% | 22% | 2% |
| Luis Rengifo 3B LAA | 19% | 22% | 3% |
| Ryan Mountcastle 1B BAL | 19% | 20% | 1% |
| Jordan Walker RF STL | 17% | 19% | 2% |
| Kevin McGonigle SS DET | 17% | 19% | 2% |
| Owen Caissie RF CHC | 16% | 28% | 12% |
| Joseph Ortiz SS MIL | 14% | 20% | 6% |
| C.J. Kayfus RF CLE | 13% | 16% | 3% |
| Dylan Beavers OF BAL | 12% | 18% | 6% |
| Brandon Marsh CF PHI | 10% | 12% | 2% |
| Miguel Andujar DH CIN | 9% | 22% | 13% |
| Sal Stewart 1B CIN | 8% | 10% | 2% |
| Blake Perkins CF MIL | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Kody Clemens 2B MIN | 7% | 9% | 2% |
| Casey Schmitt 2B SF | 5% | 6% | 1% |
| Heriberto Hernandez LF MIA | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Kyle Karros 3B COL | 3% | 10% | 7% |
| Blaze Alexander 3B ARI | 2% | 20% | 18% |
| Paul DeJong 3B WAS | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Bobby Seymour 1B TB | 0% | 4% | 4% |
Starting Pitchers
Hurston Waldrep: Throughout his minor league career, Waldrep struggled with walks (4.7 BB/9, 1.44 WHIP). Then they dropped once he got to the majors (2.6 BB/9). The walks may come back. His 38% Ball% normally equates to a 3.9 BB/9. I’m nitpicking on a guy with a 1.02 ERA (3.40 xFIP), 0.79 WHIP, and 8.7 K/9.
Cade Cavalli: Besides the walks (3.9 BB/9, 1.50 WHIP), he has been solid with an 8.7 K/9 and 53% GB%. All his pitches grade out as average or better.
Nolan McLean: In his MLB debut, he threw 5 IP with 0 ER, 8 K, 2 H, and 4 BB. Across two minor league levels this year, he posted a 2.45 ERA (3.74 xFIP), 1.13 WHIP, 10.1 K/9.
Ryan Bergert: Found the strike zone with the Royals (4.5 BB/9 in SD, 2.4 BB/9 in KC, 38% Ball% vs 31%), where he has a 3.18 ERA (4.01 xFIP), 0.79 WHIP (.179 BABIP), and 7.9 K/9.
Brad Lord: In his 10 starts, he has a 3.61 ERA, 3.87 xFIP, 1.26 WHIP (2.6 BB/9), 50% GB%, and 6.5 K/9. He throws a four-seam (11% SwStr%), sinker (73% GB%), and slider (12% SwStr%). Pleasant surprise.
Jack Perkins: Since joining the A’s rotation, he has a 6.43 ERA (4.38 xFIP), 1.43 WHIP (4.5 BB/9), and 10.3 K/9. He falls apart each time through the batting order
TTO: xFIP
1st: 3.69
2nd: 4.02
3rd: 7.38
He shouldn’t have any issue navigating a lineup with four average or better pitches. He just needs to throw strikes. The walks are killing him. His 38% Ball% points to a 3.8 BB/9.
Cade Povich: Keeps getting hit around (.332 BABIP, 1.4 HR/9), so he’s performing worse than his ERA estimators (~4.00). He’s been a bit better in the second half as he’s leaned into his changeup (13% to 21% usage, 13% SwStr%). Decent gamble.
Cristian Javier: I’m by far the lowest person on Javier. He struggled with walks during his rehab (more walks than strikeouts) and his first start. His Sunday start will determine his value going forward.
Troy Melton: A stud when in the rotation (3.18 ERA, 3.03 xFIP, 0.88 WHIP, 9.5 K/9) but looks to be out of it again. Could be the second-best starter in Detroit, but he just needs a chance. Stash add.
Jose Quintana: In a two-start week with the easy test out of the way (vs PIT). On Sunday, he throws in Cincinnati. The best of the worst.
Taijuan Walker: The 3.39 ERA is a mirage, with his projections and ERA estimators pointing to a mid-to-high 4.00 ERA pitcher. The 33-year-old’s second half 4.4 K/9 is not the sign of a breakout.
Yoendrys Gómez: He was great in his first start, going 5 IP with 7 K and 1 ER against Detroit. As a reliever, he struggled with walks (6.6 BB/9) but only one walk (37% Ball%, equivalent to 3.6 BB/9) in this start. He’s got nice swing-and-miss, but those walks (1.50 WHIP). Maybe a bench and monitor.
Michael Lorenzen: Probably added for his Saturday White Sox start. He doesn’t help a fantasy team, never has. Maybe the 33-year-old will finally turn the corner.
Colin Rea: Rea has a devil of a strikeout rate (6.66 K/). Nothing else. A 4.50 ERA talent.
Javier Assad: Struggled in his debut with 4 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, and 2 K in 4 IP. With the small sample, I’m going to lean into the small sample table and stay away.
Tomoyuki Sugano: A high-4.00 ERA talent with a 78% LOB% suppressing his ERA in the low-4.00’s. If adding Sugano is the best option, there must have been many failures along the way.
Nick Martinez: A below-average starter with no signs of improvement. Also, he might not be in the rotation.
Logan Allen로건: In a two-start week (5 IP, 5 K, 4 BB, 2 ER in first start), and this situation is about the only reason to have him rostered. In every aspect of his game, he’s below average. I can’t get excited over a pitcher with a 90-mph fastball who can’t throw strikes.
Michael McGreevy: In a nice stretch of games (vs COL, at MIA), but his talent has tanked. He used to rely on a +60% GB%, but that’s gone (42% GB%). And a 4.9 K/9 won’t cut it.
Jason Alexander: The 32-year-old has been horrible over his career (5.27 ERA and 1.46 WHIP) and has been decent with the Astros (2.56 ERA, 4.30 xFIP, 1.20 WHIP, and 6.8 K/9). The issue with him is that Javier just came off the IL, and Garcia and McCullers are about to also. I think he’s headed back to the bullpen.
Rehabbing Starters
Kyle Bradish: Solid during his rehab and could return to the majors at any time. Threw 5 IP in his last rehab start with similar fastball velocities.
Luis Garcia: Last 4 IP in his last AAA rehab start. One issue is that all his pitch velocities are down 1.5 mph to 2.0 mph. Also, 3 mph from three seasons ago.
Season: avgFFv
2022: 94.0 mph
2023: 92.7 mph
2024: IL
2025: 91.3 mph
Pitching Prospects
Trey Yesavage: Across four minor league levels (A, A+, AA, AAA), the 22-year-old righty has a 3.17 ERA (2.26 xFIP), 0.97 WHIP, 15.0 K/9 in 81 IP.
Jonah Tong: In AA, the 22-year-old righty has a 1.59 ERA (2.04 xFIP), 0.92 WHIP, and 14.3 K/9 in 102 IP.
Robby Snelling: Across two minor league levels (AA and AAA), the 21-year-old lefty has a 2.89 ERA (2.68 xFIP), 1.13 WHIP, and 10.9 K/9 in 106 IP.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Martinez SP CIN | 40% | 42% | 2% |
| Colin Rea SP CHC | 40% | 42% | 2% |
| Jose Quintana SP MIL | 39% | 54% | 15% |
| Tomoyuki Sugano SP BAL | 33% | 36% | 3% |
| Kyle Bradish SP BAL | 32% | 36% | 4% |
| Cristian Javier SP HOU | 25% | 55% | 30% |
| Logan Allen SP CLE | 24% | 29% | 5% |
| Michael Lorenzen SP KC | 20% | 22% | 2% |
| Cade Cavalli SP WAS | 19% | 28% | 9% |
| Hurston Waldrep RP ATL | 15% | 45% | 30% |
| Jonah Tong SP NYM | 15% | 17% | 2% |
| Jack Perkins RP ATH | 15% | 16% | 1% |
| Michael McGreevy SP STL | 14% | 19% | 5% |
| Nolan McLean SP NYM | 13% | 36% | 23% |
| Taijuan Walker SP PHI | 11% | 22% | 11% |
| Luis Garcia SP HOU | 11% | 13% | 2% |
| Trey Yesavage SP TOR | 11% | 12% | 1% |
| Robby Snelling SP MIA | 10% | 13% | 3% |
| Ryan Bergert SP KC | 9% | 13% | 4% |
| Troy Melton SP DET | 9% | 12% | 3% |
| Cade Povich SP BAL | 9% | 10% | 1% |
| Brad Lord RP WAS | 6% | 9% | 3% |
| Javier Assad SP CHC | 5% | 7% | 2% |
| Jason Alexander SP HOU | 3% | 10% | 7% |
| Name | IP | BotERA | Pitching+ERA | SwStr% ERA | FBv ERA | SIERA | xFIP | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy Melton | 10.1 | 3.07 | 2.79 | 3.45 | 3.70 | 3.33 | 3.70 | 3.34 |
| Hurston Waldrep | 17.2 | 4.18 | 2.64 | 4.20 | 3.85 | 3.47 | 3.40 | 3.62 |
| Cade Cavalli | 9.1 | 4.24 | 2.61 | 3.60 | 3.52 | 4.17 | 3.92 | 3.68 |
| Ryan Bergert | 11.1 | 3.18 | 3.31 | 3.59 | 4.21 | 3.91 | 4.01 | 3.70 |
| Jack Perkins | 14.0 | 3.88 | 3.49 | 3.55 | 3.78 | 4.21 | 4.38 | 3.88 |
| Taijuan Walker | 12.0 | 4.55 | 2.81 | 4.87 | 4.30 | 3.48 | 3.74 | 3.96 |
| Jose Quintana | 12.0 | 4.69 | 3.96 | 4.20 | 4.45 | 3.71 | 3.58 | 4.10 |
| Michael McGreevy | 18.0 | 3.91 | 3.07 | 5.08 | 4.23 | 4.37 | 4.12 | 4.13 |
| Colin Rea | 15.2 | 4.57 | 4.10 | 4.32 | 4.07 | 3.82 | 3.98 | 4.14 |
| Cade Povich | 11.2 | 4.54 | 3.96 | 4.25 | 4.30 | 3.85 | 4.02 | 4.15 |
| Brad Lord | 16.2 | 4.58 | 5.79 | 4.35 | 3.93 | 3.78 | 3.60 | 4.34 |
| Yoendrys Gómez | 5.0 | 5.90 | 5.72 | 2.88 | 4.08 | 3.14 | 4.53 | 4.38 |
| Tomoyuki Sugano | 17.1 | 4.20 | 2.62 | 5.52 | 4.13 | 4.87 | 5.06 | 4.40 |
| Cristian Javier | 5.0 | 5.05 | 4.00 | 4.60 | 4.10 | 4.28 | 4.43 | 4.41 |
| Jason Alexander | 12.0 | 4.85 | 4.17 | 5.05 | 4.42 | 4.38 | 4.12 | 4.50 |
| Nick Martinez | 12.0 | 3.99 | 4.38 | 5.01 | 4.22 | 5.04 | 4.79 | 4.57 |
| Javier Assad | 4.0 | 3.70 | 4.09 | 4.14 | 4.24 | 5.39 | 6.25 | 4.64 |
| Logan Allen | 10.0 | 5.40 | 5.41 | 4.99 | 4.43 | 5.13 | 4.82 | 5.03 |
Relievers: Save-based ranks
Bryan Abreu: Great reliever who is the closer.
Dennis Santana: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Justin Topa: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
Victor Vodnik: Average reliever who is the closer.
Jose Ferrer: Below-average reliever who is the closer.
JoJo Romero: Average reliever who is most likely the closer.
Phil Maton: Good reliever who may be the closer.
Keegan Akin: Average reliever who appears to be in a closer-by-committee.
Jordan Leasure: Good reliever who is in a closer-by-committee.
Riley O’Brien: Good reliever who is the backup closer.
Abner Uribe: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Matt Brash: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Bennett Sousa: Great reliever who is the backup closer.
Jason Adam: Good reliever who is a couple of steps away from closing.
Jeremiah Estrada: Good reliver who is a few steps away from closing.
Adrian Morejon: Good reliever who is a few steps away from closing.
Elvis Alvarado: Good reliever who is a few steps away from closing.
| Name | Previous Roster% | Current Roster% | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| JoJo Romero RP STL | 40% | 44% | 4% |
| Dennis Santana RP PIT | 38% | 39% | 1% |
| Jason Adam RP SD | 33% | 35% | 2% |
| Bryan Abreu RP HOU | 27% | 57% | 30% |
| Adrian Morejon RP SD | 25% | 28% | 3% |
| Abner Uribe RP MIL | 25% | 28% | 3% |
| Jeremiah Estrada RP SD | 22% | 24% | 2% |
| Phil Maton RP TEX | 20% | 23% | 3% |
| Jose Ferrer RP WAS | 13% | 16% | 3% |
| Matt Brash RP SEA | 10% | 12% | 2% |
| Keegan Akin RP BAL | 6% | 12% | 6% |
| Bennett Sousa RP HOU | 5% | 8% | 3% |
| Riley O’Brien RP STL | 4% | 6% | 2% |
| Justin Topa RP MIN | 3% | 7% | 4% |
| Victor Vodnik RP COL | 3% | 4% | 1% |
| Jordan Leasure RP CHW | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Elvis Alvarado RP ATH | 0% | 2% | 2% |
| Yoendrys Gomez RP CHW | 0% | 2% | 2% |
Jeff, one of the authors of the fantasy baseball guide,The Process, writes for RotoGraphs, The Hardball Times, Rotowire, Baseball America, and BaseballHQ. He has been nominated for two SABR Analytics Research Award for Contemporary Analysis and won it in 2013 in tandem with Bill Petti. He has won four FSWA Awards including on for his Mining the News series. He's won Tout Wars three times, LABR twice, and got his first NFBC Main Event win in 2021. Follow him on Twitter @jeffwzimmerman.